10 Most Charming Town Squares In Oklahoma
Native history, Route 66 nostalgia, and land rush history are significant parts of Oklahoma’s history, but not the only things that draw people to the Sooner State. Unexpected beauty wrapped in history, community, and delight is the magical combination of Oklahoma’s small-town squares. Filled with historic architecture and artsy corners, Oklahoma’s town squares invite you on a leisurely stroll to browse antiques, admire a beautiful outdoor mural, or check out a local museum. Whatever your heart desires! No matter which town you visit, each of these charming squares has something special to offer.
Guthrie
Before Oklahoma City became the state capital, Guthrie held that honor. Thus, Guthrie’s Town Square is a walkable district brimming with state and town history. At the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library, the exhibits chronicle the history of the Land Rush, territorial government, and statehood. History buffs should also visit the quirky Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, featuring turn‑of‑the‑century apothecary artifacts and a charming medicinal garden. The Pollard Theatre, originally a dry goods shop turned vaudeville house, is a unique venue to experience live performances in an intimate, historic setting. The Guthrie town Square is filled with art galleries and antique shops, perfect for leisurely wandering, and do not forget to stop by Oklahoma’s first legal distillery, WanderFolk Spirits, to try some local handcrafted spirits.
Pawhuska
Pawhuska’s town square evokes a genuine frontier atmosphere with its red‑brick storefronts and historic architecture. Visit The Pioneer Woman Mercantile's bustling bakery, restaurant, and general store for some homemade sweet treats and comfort food. At the Osage Nation Museum, America’s oldest tribally‑owned museum, visitors gain a deeper understanding of local Native heritage through displayed artifacts and Osage artistry. For more historical insight, the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum showcases rodeo and film history and even includes interactive roping displays. In the evening, catching a show or film at the restored Constantine Theater is the perfect way to end a day of wandering around Pawhuska’s charming town square.
Claremore
Claremore’s town square, lovingly called the Lilac District by locals, charms visitors with three blocks of space designated as a National Historic District. These tranquil streets are lined with early-20th-century brick facades and street lamps, so you feel as if you stepped back in time. A stroll along Will Rogers Boulevard will take you by a plethora of cozy cafés, unique stores, and antique shops. Or, you can hop in the car and drive through Dutch Bros Coffee and start your exploration of Claremore with a customized coffee or cold drink. At the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, history buffs can explore artifacts and films important to the famed cowboy’s career. You can even visit his tomb, which overlooks the city. For more general local history, check out the Claremore Museum of History and the nearby Belvidere Mansion.
Durant
The tree-lined square of Durant’s downtown is a fun-loving place that hosts community events, markets, and festivals. Main Street’s nine‑block hub is filled with unique cafés and restaurants, like Opera House Coffee and Roadhouse 77, so you will have no choice but to be well-fed and hydrated as you stroll through Durant. Three Valley Museum showcases Native American exhibits, as well as others related to the county’s history. And, of course, you do not want to miss the quirky World’s Largest Peanut sculpture by City Hall or the colorful murals in Magnolia Mile Art Alley for unique photo ops you can only get in Durant.
Tahlequah
Tahlequah’s square is a small-town treasure with a big story. As the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah has heritage sites, murals, and Native-owned shops that will leave a lasting impression. The town’s deep Cherokee roots create a distinctive vibe in the downtown square. The Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, housed in a 19th-century brick building, invites visitors to explore Cherokee legal history, as well as the state’s first newspaper press. Across the square is the Cherokee National History Museum, which offers immersive exhibits on the Trail of Tears and Cherokee culture, and a few blocks away is the Cherokee National Prison Museum. Art lovers will appreciate the Cherokee Arts Cultural Pathway, which is an outdoor display featuring Cherokee artists.
Collinsville
If you are looking for 20th-century architecture and a welcoming, walkable layout, then Collinsville’s historic downtown square is exactly where you want to be. Main Street, which is also part of Highway 20, is home to several public buildings, such as Collinsville City Hall and the Collinsville Public Library. Additionally, the Collinsville Depot Museum, a restored railroad depot from 1899, is a fun spot to stop by if you are interested in railway history. The Rock Island Caboose, which is located at the museum, is well-known as a local landmark. On Saturdays, stroll through the Farm Hippie Farmers Market to find local produce and handmade crafts.
Ada
Tucked into southern Oklahoma, Ada’s revitalized downtown square is an incredibly cozy haven for artists and art-lovers. City Hall, the county courthouse, the library, and public parks are all within walking distance of Ada’s Main Street, making it a key part of the town for residents. At its cultural center is the century‑old McSwain Theatre, a 1920s-era vaudeville-and-silent-film house still alive with live music, classic movies, and comedy sets. In Ada’s Arts District, located near the Eastern Central University Campus, is the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center, sculpture garden, and rotating gallery exhibits, where art can be explored at a leisurely pace. Sprinkle in artsy boutiques, unique coffee shops like Aldridge Cafe, and community events, and Ada’s square feels both nurturing and vibrant.
Sapulpa
Sapulpa’s nine-block downtown—nestled right on historic Route 66—radiates authentic small-town charm. At the Sapulpa Historical Museum, visitors can learn about early railroads, native cultures, and the town’s evolution in a turn-of-the-century hotel setting. Fans of iconic Americana will enjoy the restored Waite Phillips Filling Station Museum and the nearby Rock Creek Bridge. Like shopping for unique finds? Route 66 Vintage Market is a great place for antiques, handcrafted signs, retro finds, and more. When it's warm, the square is filled with lively community events like farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and classic car gatherings.
El Reno
For even more classic Route 66 nostalgia, along with brick storefronts and a warm, walkable vibe, head to El Reno’s charming town square. The Heritage Express Trolley, Oklahoma’s only operating streetcar, is one of the town’s highlights. The functioning trolley offers both convenience and nostalgia as it glides through downtown between the Canadian County Historical Museum and Market Street. The first Saturday in May, foodies flock to the annual Fried Onion Burger Day Festival, which celebrates the city’s iconic dish with giant burgers, music, and downtown fun. To top it off, the square often features free scavenger hunts highlighting murals, war memorials, and quirky Route 66 landmarks, so there is always something to do in downtown El Reno.
Alva
Alva’s town square is a charming destination for visitors. Located along Oklahoma Boulevard near Northwestern Oklahoma State University, the downtown area in Alva has lots to see and do. Explore artifacts from the 1893 land rush at the Cherokee Strip Museum, and over a dozen murals that depict scenes from the town's history and culture at the Alva Mural Society. The murals are all at outdoor locations throughout the town, which gives visitors a great reason to walk around Alva. Additionally, Ava’s landmarks, including the Alumni Bell Tower, are also great places to visit and snap some photos.
In Oklahoma’s town squares, there is always something personal and memorable waiting to be discovered. Whether you are looking for a chance to connect with the past or an opportunity to enjoy the present, you can find it while wandering through any of these charming towns. In a time when much of the world moves too fast, each of these places invites you to savor the richness of local history, handcrafted art, and small-town friendliness. The only question left is: Will you accept the invitation?
